Celebrate Día de los Muertos in Downtown San Antonio
Published on October 20, 2026
SAN ANTONIO (October 20, 2026) — Celebrate Día de los Muertos (“Day of the Dead”) at Historic Market Square on October 24–25 and enjoy the Day of the Dead San Antonio River Parade and Festival along the River Walk and at La Villita Historic Arts Village on October 23–25. While visiting La Villita and Market Square, be sure to explore the shops for one‑of‑a‑kind treasures.
Día de los Muertos is a centuries-old tradition honoring loved ones who have passed and celebrating their lives. This year’s events bring together traditional art, cultural experiences, and unique shopping and dining opportunities.
Downtown San Antonio is expected to be very busy the weekend of October 23–25, with multiple Día de los Muertos festivities taking place throughout the area. Attendees are encouraged to review event details, road closures, and parking information before arriving by visiting SA.gov/GoDowntown.
Market Square Events
Location: 514 W. Commerce Street
Cultural Celebration: Día de los Muertos
- Date: Saturday, October 24 & Sunday, October 25
- Time: 10 a.m. – 6 p.m.
- Price: free
Get ready for a lively celebration of Día de los Muertos, a two-day event bursting with color, culture, and community spirit. Join us as we honor this beautiful Mexican tradition with an array of cultural activities, traditional altars, marigold giveaway, and live music. Don’t miss Las Monas Cultural Dance Procession, a captivating fusion of dance and storytelling that brings ancestral tales to life, happening both days from 1 to 2 p.m. This family-friendly event is open to all ages and is the perfect way to experience the rich heritage, artistry, and joy that make Día de los Muertos special. Join in celebrating life, memory, and community. For more information, visit the Market Square website.
Calaveras de Azucar Festival
Dates:
- Saturday, October 31, 10 a.m. –9:30 p.m.
- Sunday, November 1, 10 a.m. – 8:30 p.m.
Price: free
The Market Square Farmers Market Association invites the community to attend their vibrant Calaveras de Azucar Festival to celebrate Día de los Muertos with family and friends. The colorful and memorable festival features altars, live music, and local vendors. For more information, visit the Market Square website.
Self-Guided Día de los Muertos Altar Tour
- Date: Every day through November 6
- Time: 10 a.m. – 6 p.m.
- Price: free
Take a self-guided tour of Día de los Muertos ofrendas (altars) at Historic Market Square. The ofrendas show gratitude, celebrate memories, and highlight the best and the brightest of departed loved ones' time on earth. Learn more about Día de los Muertos by visiting uniquely themed altars throughout Historic Market Square. For more information, visit the Market Square website.
La Villita Events
Location: 418 Villita Street
Day of the Dead San Antonio River Parade and Festival
River Parade
- Date: Friday, October 23
- Time: 7 p.m.
- Price: ticketed event
- Festival and community activations
- Date: Friday, October 23 – Sunday, October 25
View website for full schedule
Celebrate Día de los Muertos as altar‑inspired floats, dazzling catrinas, and vibrant tributes light up the River Walk on Friday night during the Day of the Dead River Parade. The festivities continue all weekend as La Villita transforms into a vibrant fiesta filled with live music, delicious food, and free family fun honoring cherished Día de los Muertos traditions. Don’t miss the chance to snap a selfie with the second largest Calavera Catrina in the world, wander among 20 colorful alebrije spirit-animals, and marvel at 10 giant, hand-painted calaveras spread throughout the village. It’s a celebration rich in culture, bursting with color, and open to all. Come honor the past, celebrate the present, and be part of something truly unforgettable at La Villita. For more information and a full schedule of events, visit the event website.
Visitor Parking
For easy, convenient, and affordable parking options, visit the City’s SAPark website. The parking map provides a full list of City-owned garages and lots. Event parking rates will apply.